Tag Archives: Web Security

Being Safe When Browsing the Web on Public Computers

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How often have you found the need to use a public computer despite having one of your own at home? Using public computers can tend to be an inescapable part if life but as a result we end up working on computers that we do not know if they have the right safety and security features in place. Public computers are now available in a variety of different places from internet cafes, libraries, coffee shops, airports or even using the computer from someone you know. When you are using a computer that is not your own it means that more then one user has access to the information on it. Thus it is important to have safety tips in your mind to keep your work and information safe when browsing the web on public computers.

Being safe when browsing the web on public computers – choose the right computer

The aspect of public computers is that whatever work you are doing on it, is usually visible by other people. For this reason, try to choose a computer that is tucked away, such as in the corner. This will mean less interruption from you and you can better protect people for peering over at your screen. Be careful with what information you punch in when people are standing or sitting next to you. No matter how oblivious people may seem, never take this for granted!

Being safe when browsing the web in public computers – personal information

Be careful when accessing personal accounts on public computers. Always make sure that the ‘remember me’ box is not checked so that the computer does not remember your details. Always, always, always make sure you have logged off properly from any account you logged into. Ideally important personal information should never be given out on a public computer and this includes most especially any bank account or credit card details. This means that online shopping should generally be avoided on public computers and should be reserved for completing at home or at another secure location instead.

Being safe when browsing the web in public – delete downloads, files and clear your history

Any newly created files or downloads should be deleted off the hard drive when you are done – this can be deleted simply by pressing SHIFT and DELETE. Also be sure to erase your history, temporary files and cookies from within the browser. You want to leave as little a trace as possible on the public computer you have been using.

Being safe when browsing the web in public – always reboot

Rebooting the public computer you have been using will help to ensure that the steps you have taken above will be completed properly.

When you have no choice but to use a computer other than your own, try to stay away from inputting or downloading any important or personal information. Keep these steps in mind to help you be safe when browsing the web on a public computer.  Once you start incorporating this mentality every time you work on a public computer, it will become more natural and automatic every time you do it.

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How to Safely Use the Internet in Public

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Nowadays having access to the Internet in public places is becoming more and more available. Wi-Fi hot spots are advertised throughout a variety of different public places such as coffee shops, libraries, restaurants, hotels and so on. Wi-Fi hot spots refers to be able to connect and browse through the Internet for free or at the most a relatively minimal charge. Be able to take your laptop and access the Internet outside of home and work is a huge advantage, especially in a business sense. However, having such easy Internet access also increases the risk of other users getting hold of your information. The more you use public places for connecting onto the Internet the more safety and security issue must be in place. In this article, we will look at how to safely use the Internet in public.

How to safely use the internet in public – keep your laptop updated

Wi-Fi hot spot are not secure locations which is why protecting your information when connect to Internet in these areas is so important. One way to do this is by ensuring that your laptop has all the necessary up-to-date protection software as well as ensuring that the Web browser you are using is also updated. Most Web browsers will inform you when a security update is available so that you are continually protected.

How to safely use the internet in public – do not log into personal accounts

When connected in a Wi-Fi hot spot do not connect to any personal accounts that require a login of your username and password. Remember that in a Wi-Fi hot spot there are many users out there trying to access your information. Therefore, logging into your bank account for example, is extremely unwise as the information you login with is more easily accessible to others. Also, do not carry out any online purchases while using a public connection. Remember that your information is vulnerable in these instances. Rather wait until you are connected in a more secure location such as at home.

How to safely use the internet in public – public connection

Usually when you connect via a Wi-Fi hotspot, your computer will ask you what kind of connection you have. It is important that you let your computer know that you are using a public connection. By selecting this option, your computer will automatically cause your information files to be invisible to others.

How to safely use the internet in public – no file and print sharing

When accessing the Internet through a public connection it is a good idea to turn of your file and print sharing availability. This will hinder others from attempting to access your hard drive.

These are some measures you can put into place on how to safely use the internet in public. A public connection can make your information more vulnerable due to having less security measures in place and too many users taking advantage of that. Be cautious, put these simple precautions in place and you can browse the Internet in public to your hearts content.

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